Broadway Shows - The Only Three Websites You Need

Broadway shows are one of the highlights of New York's cultural scene, and if you're planning a visit, finding a good show and getting tickets can seem like an overwhelming prospect. There are tickets for sale all over the web and it's hard to know if you're getting a good deal. Furthermore, a number of sites which offer tickets to Broadway shows require memberships -- not really ideal for a visitor who just wants to see a few Broadway shows on their trip.

Most people know that you can buy discount tickets day-of in Times Square at the TKTS booth, but there's no guarantee they'll have tickets for the shows you want to see, and if you're not familiar with the New York theater scene, you may have no idea which of the Broadway shows they do have will be fun for you and your friends or family.

Here are the only three websites you need to make an informed decision about a show and purchase your tickets in advance:

1. Playbill.com

Playbill.com features in-depth synopses, including advisories for families -- be aware that "no advisory" means "suitable for teens and older; if a show is "kid friendly," it will say so. Playbill.com also features reviews of Broadway shows that are among the most respected in the industry. The site lists show dates and the regular pricing issued by the theater, as well as the rush policies and prices in case you want to chance it. Use this site to choose your show, and note the ticket prices, but don't buy your tickets here. Just make sure you don't pay more for them than what's listed!

2. Theatermania.com

Theatermania.com can find you tickets to all kinds of shows, not just Broadway shows. The synopses are a bit more abbreviated, but the user reviews of shows are often pretty decent. Better still, they have their very own Discount Broadway Tickets section which presents you with the shows and prices in an upfront, easy-to-read way. You may find a deal right here and be done!

3. TicketLiquidator.com

If you're convinced that second-hand is the way to go, don't go trying your luck on eBay and Craigslist, go to TicketLiquidator.com. They carefully vet their sellers, which are both independent companies and consumers like you, and provide you with a "Worry-Free Guarantee" which protects you from fraud and even show cancellations, and refunds 125% of your money if your seller doesn't deliver the goods. You may find tickets here that are sold out other places, making this the third and final website you need to book Broadway shows.

Are there more sites offering discount Broadway show tickets? Sure, there are as many as you have time to search out. Our advice? Save yourself the trouble of trying to figure out which ones are legitimate. If you don't find the tickets and the prices you want on the three sites above, you're not likely to find them anywhere.